Ver. 19

[Mortek]

Guys,

I just got an email saying I could upgrade to 19 for only $295. I paid $495 for ver.. 18 upgrade and was deeply sorry for doing so. Who do they think they're going to get to buy it??????

Ken

[Klox]

Version 19 was suppose to be launched Feb 2003 as they told me in Dec 2002. I would sit tight and wait to see what happens....

They are going to lose a lot of guys to other software companies if they do not solve the bugs....

My Bobwire 16.1 runs as smooth as cream! My Bobcad 18 has not gave me any problems thus far, i'm not using it very often. Mainly for opening DXF's and drawings. I pefer the v16.

Klox

[CNCdude]

The long awaited BobCAD Version 19 is currently in the final stages of development. Once this is complete, there will be a select group of beta sites that will be evaluating and reviewing the upgrades new features. The Version 19 upgrade will incorporate solids and surfaces for the first time. The primary objective is to allow the operator to import surface and solid type files for toolpath and NC G-Code generation.

With BobCAD software now getting into solids, there was a significant amount of work to do. Our development team has done nothing less than an absolute professional job and we are all excited about the features that we will be able to provide. Believe me, it will be worth the wait!
Sincerely,
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM
877-262-2231 x12

[keithorr]

Will users be able to create solids and surfaces, or only import files made in other programs?

After importing, can the solids or surfaces be edited?

Will toolpath generation be manual as in earlier versions of BobCad, or automated with choice of tools, stepovers, depths etc.?

[CNCdude]

Version 19 will offer the user the ability to work with solids and will provide certain essential boolean operations for editing and the manupulation of these solids. These functions will be available but will be added to as we develop. The file import functions are really good if you want to directly import a file with multiple surfaces or solids. You will also be able to break apart a solid into its surfaces upon import. Either way, the operator will have a series of toopath generating wizards for working with a ball end mill. This is where "automatic" enters in. We have also taken into consideration the speed in which your toolpath will be created. These special wizards will cover z-depths, path angles for lace cuts, step over and more. We are also including boundary machining to allow the operator to select surfaces or designated boundaries for toolpath creation.

This is just part of the upgrades new feature list.
Sincerely,
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM
877-262-2231 x12

[Scrit]

Does this mean that suport for version 18 will cease?

[keithorr]

Originally posted by CNCdude
Version 19 will offer the user the ability to work with solids and will provide certain essential boolean operations for editing and the manupulation of these solids. These functions will be available but will be added to as we develop. The file import functions are really good if you want to directly import a file with multiple surfaces or solids. You will also be able to break apart a solid into its surfaces upon import. Either way, the operator will have a series of toopath generating wizards for working with a ball end mill. This is where "automatic" enters in. We have also taken into consideration the speed in which your toolpath will be created. These special wizards will cover z-depths, path angles for lace cuts, step over and more. We are also including boundary machining to allow the operator to select surfaces or designated boundaries for toolpath creation.

This is just part of the upgrades new feature list.
Sincerely,
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM
877-262-2231 x12

So, cutting through the salesman speak: No solids or surfacing creation.

Limited editing.

Cam wizards.

Promises.

[CNCdude]

Hey Keithhorr,
I'll answer your questions but first I have to tell you, I'm not your sales person. As far as surfacing, there will be surfacing functions added. Whether they are added in 19 or the next Version 20, we are making decisions on what to include. Your positive input would be accepted. You can always reach me at the number below. A CAM wizard will be added indeed. Once again, this may be added into the version 19 or the version. Right now there are new functions being added on a weekly basis.
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM
877-262-2231 x12

[Kookaburra]

Hey Keithhorr,

Did you take CNC Dude up on his offer and call him, if so how did it go, if not Why?

[Rekd]

Originally posted by Kookaburra
Hey Keithhorr,

Did you take CNC Dude up on his offer and call him, if so how did it go, if not Why?

+1

'Rekd

[keithorr]

I'm only responding because the "guy" from down under asked.

BobCAD should have made the effort to contact me regarding my needs two years ago, not after a competitor moved in and decimated their customer base.

I purchased a router/driver and V17 software bundled from Bob Twallhoven (The Bob) because the price quote was right. Turned out he was trying to sell me a machine made from surplus parts. When I told him I wanted a gantry style machine, because I didn't think a moving table style would accelerate a 300 pound block of graphite very well, he had to build a machine from scratch, and the delivery was many weeks late. Bolts that held the maching together stripped out of the aluminum members during use. The company that built the driver box went under so service is not available. The program had too many bugs in it for surface toolpaths. I was able to produce parts using the revolve function on symetrical parts, but asym parts were not possible. The company, the program, the machine were all sketchy. I was offered a free upgrade to V18 since I purchased the router, but when I called for it, nothing came and no response to my follow up.

Big confidence builder. Not.

I have a product that works today, based on BobCad, so it was easy to learn. It is fast and does what I need. Why should I take any time to call a former vendor about a product I have no plans of going back to?

[Kookaburra]

keithorr,

I had no idea you were never thinking of going back to BobCAD.

Based on all the questions you were asking about BobCAD19, I thought you had some interest in BobCAD's future. I guess not!!

Well I hope that bad feelings can be mended. I hope CNCdude and yourself can catch up one day to have a chat. BobCAD have a brand new management team now different to what was back then, you may consider sending a PM to CNCdude with your phone number in it, he may just call you.